Rural Educators Meet at Eureka Springs |
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By Judy Denton
The Arkansas Rural Education Association held its 2003 annual conference
on July 7-9 at Eureka Springs, Arkansas.In the past this conference has been viewed by administrators as a time to come together with other administrators to discuss issues, compare notes, and enjoy the comradery of those who share similar schools and circumstances.
However, this year there was a sense of urgency in the air. The theme of this year's standing room only conference centered on a Supreme Court decision that the Arkansas school system is neither equitable nor adequate.
As administrators gathered throughout the lobby and in the meeting rooms, it was evident that the topic of discussion was the same, "Exactly what constitutes an equitable and adequate school?"
Throughout the three-day conference, speakers including:
- Harmon Seawal, House Majority Leader;
- Dr. Picus, hired by the governor to conduct Arkansas's study on equitable and adequate education;
- Representative Calvin Johnson of Pine Bluff, co-chairman of the Joint Committee on Education Adequacy;
- Ray Simon, Director of the State Department of Education;
Each speaker either attempted to explain the governor's appeal for reform or outlined their own proposals. It was quiet obvious that they all believed schools' ability to meet the new standards must be the deciding factor.
Ray Simon, Director of the State Department of Education, spoke briefly about consolidation incentive funds, which will be made available. He pointed out that any school that may be considering consolidation must get their school's name on a list by an unspecified date, or they will not be eligible for incentive funds should they decide to consolidate at a later time. Simon did not entertain questions and the information he conveyed was not warmly accepted.
The atmosphere of this year's conference was a bit more strained than those of the past. As administrators anticipated the education reform proposals, a dark cloud seemed to hang over the conference portending the potential overwhelming metamorphosis threatening rural schools.
At the close of the conference, I felt that most, if not all, administrators agreed that something must be done to improve public education.
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